Ugandan pop star Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has formally launched his presidential bid for the 2021 election, calling for free and fair polls against longtime leader Yoweri Museveni.
On Wednesday, Wine, 37, addressed a crowd of supporters, saying, “On behalf of the people of Uganda I am challenging you to free and fair elections,” referring to President Museveni, who has held power in the East African nation since 1986.
Wine, a popular opposition figure and leader of the “People Power” movement, has emerged as a political threat to one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, appealing to many among the country’s booming young population who are frustrated with unemployment and the slow pace of change.
Wine has accused Ugandan security forces of torturing him in the past, a claim authorities deny. He has been charged with treason and other offenses, which he rejects.
Wine would be disqualified as a presidential candidate if he were to be convicted of a crime.
President Museveni, 74, is widely expected to run again in 2021 after the national assembly passed legislation removing a clause in the constitution that prevented anyone over 75 from holding the presidency.
Museveni’s party, which dominates the national assembly, has endorsed him as its sole candidate for the next election.
